Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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Orchestra
Singer
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These Tangos, Valses, and Milongas were recorded around the same time. Take a look to discover what else this orchestra—or others—may have recorded during the same week or even on the exact same day.
El malevo is a Tango written by María Luisa Carnelli and composed by Julio De Caro.
The lyrics of “El malevo” depict a character who is the quintessential tough guy of the Buenos Aires underworld. The term “malevo” denotes a man of rough and tough demeanor, often linked with the lower social echelons and possibly engaged in dubious activities. However, rather than glorifying this roughness, Carnelli’s portrayal suggests a critique or a reflection on the façade that such individuals display. There’s an insightful exploration of the malevo’s persona, questioning the authenticity of his toughness and street cred.
The lyrics are rich with Tango slang and cultural references that augment their symbolic depth. Terms like “sin milonga y sin canyengue” symbolically strip the malevo of traditional attributes of the tango dancer and enthusiast, suggesting a lack of genuineness or depth in his embrace of the tango culture. “Copaste la cabán” refers to taking over a scenario showing dominance, while “sos un orre pur-sang” implies he’s a purebred rogue, highlighting a nature that’s undeniably bold but contentious. The phrases not only paint a vivid picture of the malevo’s world but also evoke a broader reflection on the identities people construct and present within societal frameworks.
The tango emerged as a form of musical expression in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Argentina, a time marked by enormous social changes including heavy immigration and urbanization in Buenos Aires. By 1928, when “El malevo” was written, Tango had evolved from its rough, brothel-associated roots to a more polished, internationally recognized form. Carnelli’s critique of the ‘malevo’, using the Tango as a medium, may reflect the tensions surrounding authenticity and the commercialization of cultural expressions during a period when the national identity itself was rapidly evolving.
María Luisa Carnelli was an influential Argentine lyricist and journalist, known for her deep poetic contributions to the Tango genre.